The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-08

me and L was now determined to deliver the
bag to No. IL Plaza di POGO in spite of all the
Spaniards on the island.
fully realized that it would be no easy mat
ter to get the bag out of the vessel without the
officers detecting me, although it was but
small parcel.
1 watched my chance, however, and one day
it came.
Several American captains, whose vessels
were in port, had made up party to visit the
renowned Crystal cave that lies upon the east
ern side of the Bay of MatanZas. OF course
each one must carry some refreshments for
themselves and their boats crew, and here [
saw an opportunity to smuggle the bag ashore.
Accordingly, the night before the picnic, L
spoke to the officers over q glass of brandy
which put out for their special benefit, and
requested permission to take some eatibleS
ashore the next day.
They gave their consent without hesitation,
and at once called the stewart to packup his
dog basket with provisions and drinkables,
and purposely had him make display of do
ing this before the officials, as 1 wanted them
to see everything that went into the basket.
After it was full we left it on the cabin table
ready for the morning, as we were to start by
daylight.
Along the middle of the night when I was
sure that everything was quiet, l turned out
and, securing the basket, hurried back to my
room where 1 removed some of the food and
put the Cuban's bag in its stead and again re-
turned the basket to the cabin table,
All the time 1 could hear the footsteps of
the officer, who was on watch, pacing the
deck overhead, but as there was no light in the
cabin | had no fear OF being detected.
In the morning everything worked as I had
expected; went over into the boat in which
were two of my men, and the steward handed
down the basket; waving an adieu to the
officers we pulled away across the bay.
When well over to the eastern shore took
the bag out of the basket and changed the
course of the boat SO as to land on the outskirts
of the city.
Reaching the shore instructed my men to
pull for the cave where they would meet the
other captains and deliver the basket to them,
and say that business had called me to town,
but would join them some time during the
day."
A few minutes later I was seated in aVolan-
tie Cuban carriagel and was being driven slowly
"a Cuban team will never travel fast) in the
direction of the Plaza di POGO.
Turning into the square, in the centre of
which were growing rare and beautiful trop-
ical plants, observed several policemen and
Spanish soldiers lounging about, but as one
cannot take fifty steps in any Cuban city
without meeting one or more of these servants
of the CROWN paid but little attention to their
presence.
/ however ordered the Garage to stop sever
al doors from the house of which was in searh :;
and, after dismissing the driver, proceeded
on foot.
Number thirteen differed little from its
neighbors, save an unusual air of quiet by
which it seemed to be surrounded; it had the
Same large iron gateway. leading into the
enclosed area peculiar to all Cuban houses;
the same long, barred, open windows, but,
unlike the majority, these were furnished with
close blinds which effectually precluded the
passer-by from obtaining the slightets glimpse
of the exterior of the dwelling.
Approaching the gate raped loudly with the
ponderogs knocker, and my summons was
quickly answered by an old man who took in
my whole dimensions before dropping the fast
enings of the gate, and then not until 1 had
repeating the name of Roderiquez Gonzalez,
thirteen, Plaza di POGO, several times.
Finally, appearing satisfied that had right
to call, he opened the gate just far enough for
me to squeeze in, and then after again securing
tho fastenings, he led the way across paved
court, in the centre of which was playing
miniature fountain, into aSarge, cool room and
from thence into another which was quite
dark, but as my eyes became accustomed to the
gloom could see that it was a chamber, nice
ly furnished. and upon couch in the middle
of the apartment was the outline of q recum-
bent form, which started up at our approach.
My guide spoke few words in Spanish and
then retired, while the person upon the couch
arose, and throwing open one of the blinds al
lowed stream of light to enter the apartment
and by its aid l could see that l was in the
presence of fine looking gentleman some
what past the meridian of life but with tall
figure still erect, and with eyes that flashed
out brightly from beneath pair of gray
brows.
Turning he addressed me in his native
tongue, only few words of which l could I'M
derstand, but by those few L knew that he babe
me welcome, and inquired the object of my
visit.
replied in English, asking if I had the
pleasure of speaking to Senior Roderiquez
Gonzalez.
81 am he," he returned, in English which
had but slight accent, sin what can serve
you?"
Before could respond his eyes fell upon the
bag; instantly his whole manner changed. In
voluntary he sprang forward and reached out
his hand as if to grasp it, and then collecting
himself he looked searchingy into my face.
THAT bag-where did you get it 2" he ex-
claimed, impetuously, but in low subdued
voice.
"It is yours" replied, handing him the
satchel, Eat least this is the place where was
instructed to leave it,
If the bag had contained the riches Of Col
conda, he could not have received it moro
eagerly.
"EXcuse me a moment, but remain here''-
and with that he hurriedly left the apart
ment.
He might have been gone perhaps ten min
utes when he returned and approaching the
window closed the blind, which left us in total
darkness, then drawing a chair close to mine,
he inquired eagerly as to how the bag had
come i'll my possession.
gave him the whole story, described the
young Cuban and showed him the message
which had received the morning of sailing.
MY boy, my boy" he murmured, and sever
al times during the recital he broke in upon
me as though he was about to tell me some
thing, but would then quickly check himself.
At the close OF my narrative L arose to 20
when the strange, old man requested me to be
seated few minutes longer, and then again
left the room.
To say that was surprised at his manner
does not express it. There was certainly some
thing very mysterious in it all, and | was half
tempted to sneak out OF the house like n thief,
so wrought up were my feelings, when my host
again enternd.
Captain" he began-"you have rendered
service, the value Of which you may never
know, and thousands yet unborn will bless you
for it. 1t is impossible for me to repay you for
all the risk you have run, but take this"-
thrusting packet into my hand-"as a slight
memento of my gratitude. / should invite you
70 renew this call upon me, but it would be
dangerous TO us both even this may do you
injury, though trust not"-aud pressing my
hand he unceremOniously pushed mo before
him through a series Of Railways and rooms to
a rear entrance and left me beEildered upon
the street with the package in my hand which
had not had the presence Of mind to refuse.
For a moment / stood still, not knowing cx-
actly which way 70 turn and feeling that had
undoubtedly escaped from a call upon lu-
matte, when was startled by the exclamation.
Bonos dos, scnor!' and looking up recOg-